Citation

Bell JB. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 1995; 18(3): 153-174.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576109508435977

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Seeming in violation of history and doctrine, the IRA agreed to a cease fire on August 31, 1994, eschewing armed struggle as a means to achieve a united Irish Republic. That process engendered enormous enthusiasm, has assured peace tomorrow, and paid all involved various dividends, including legitimacy and prominence in the case of the republicans. The IRA is still capable of renewing an armed struggle despite a slow but certain decay in capacity, but at present this appears unlikely. Still, those who hope peace may erode the gunmen's faith as well as capacity may be optimistic. At some future date, the gun could return if the republican faith is still valid and if conditions allow tolerance of the secret army--the first has always been the case and the second is rare. Still, if past is prologue, the IRA is likely to remain a player until their dream can be realized without need of force.

Language: en